Rapid diagnostic test systems and methods

Abstract

A rapid diagnostic test system includes a lateral-flow strip for performing a binding assay. The lateral-flow strip contains a binding agent having a deposition density that varies periodically along at least a portion of the lateral-flow strip. The test system further includes an imaging system that is used to capture an image of the portion of the lateral-flow strip.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0001]Rapid diagnostic test systems are often used as a convenient tool for detecting various substances that may be present in items such as blood, urine, and water. In one such test system, a lateral-flow strip is used for performing a binding assay, which, in layman's terms, can be best illustrated by a well known application—a pregnancy test using a pregnancy test strip. As is known, a pregnancy test strip can be used to rapidly test a woman's urine for the presence of certain substances indicative of a pregnancy. The test includes depositing a urine sample on the test strip and visually inspecting a portion of the strip for a change in color. Unfortunately, various users may find that the change in color is not distinct enough to be recognizable in a consistent and unambiguous manner.[0002]In another well known application, a test strip is used for drug testing. The presence of the drug is indicated by a change in color of a portion of the test str...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, various users may find that the change in color is not distinct enough to be recognizable in a consistent and unambiguous manner.

Here again, the change in color cannot be consistently and unambiguously identified by all users.

Furthermore, even if a change in color is recognizable, the test does not provide a quantitative measure of the drug.

Based on the above-mentioned handicaps, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to overcome such deficiencies and inadequacies.

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